Crime
12-year-old Elijah Smith killed in house party shooting in National City
Four other males, ranging in age from teenagers to young adults, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The National City Police Department has identified 12-year-old Elijah Smith as the victim who tragically lost his life during a shooting at a house party late Friday night.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred just before midnight at an abandoned home located at the end of a cul-de-sac on N Avenue near Ninth Street.
Police report that gunfire erupted following a physical altercation.
Officers responding to the scene were met with chaos as over 100 people crowded the area.
Victim and Injuries
Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Elijah Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four other males, ranging in age from teenagers to young adults, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Evidence and Investigation
By Saturday morning, the scene revealed evidence markers scattered across the area, indicating the high volume of gunfire that abruptly ended the party.
National City Police Captain Derek Aydelotte described the toll the tragedy has taken:
“It’s horrific. I’m a father, as are many of our officers. To witness something like this is extremely difficult.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
Detectives are working to determine what led to the altercation and subsequent shooting.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
- Contact Information:
- National City Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 619-336-4411 (ask to speak with a detective)
- Crime Stoppers: 619-531-1500
All tips can remain anonymous. Police hope the community’s cooperation will bring clarity and justice in this devastating case.
A horrific series of unprovoked stabbings unfolded in Manhattan on Monday morning leaving two men dead and a woman critically injured.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 51-year-old resident of the Bellevue Men’s Shelter, who was apprehended shortly after the attacks.
Timeline of Events
First Attack: West 19th Street
The violent spree began around 8:20 a.m. when the suspect approached a 30-year-old man on West 19th Street near Eighth Avenue and stabbed him in the stomach.
- Victim: Identified as a construction worker.
- Response: The man was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Second Attack: East 30th Street
Roughly two hours later, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspect targeted another victim, this time a man in his 60s, on East 30th Street near the FDR Drive.
- Incident: The man was stabbed multiple times.
- Outcome: He was also transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Third Attack: East 42nd Street
Shortly before 11 a.m., the attacker struck again, stabbing a woman in the chest at East 42nd Street and First Avenue.
- Victim: A woman whose identity has not been disclosed.
- Condition: She was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.
Suspect and Arrest
The suspect was detained by authorities at East 46th Street and First Avenue, following a citywide manhunt.
- Residence: Identified as living at the Bellevue Men’s Shelter.
- Behavior: Sources indicated that the stabbings appeared random, with the attacker instigating disputes before each assault.
- Charges: Pending as of the latest updates.
Community and Police Response
The spree left Manhattan residents and authorities shaken. Police are investigating the motive behind the attacks, though preliminary findings suggest no connection between the victims and the assailant.
Victim Support and Resources
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The city also continues to emphasize the importance of mental health resources and safety measures for vulnerable populations.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and mental health crises within urban communities.